Mounting system with self aligning cam system

ABSTRACT

A mounting system having a dual plunger arrangement wherein the side of each plunger has a pull down cam to provide a desired pull down action in relation to at least two studs, the cams moving relative to one another and axially aligning relative to one another relative to the two axially spaced pull down studs to allow the plungers to provide a maximum hold down force for the two pull down studs, balance the hold down forces thereby maximizing performance and reducing unlocking forces.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/944,516 that was filed on Apr. 3, 2018, which claims priority toprovisional patent application Ser. No. 62/481,356 filed on Apr. 4, 2017which are both incorporated by reference herein.

This invention of this application relates generally to the art ofmounting systems and, more particularly, to a mounting system used as aquick-change mounting and locating system for tooling and the like.

Mounting systems are known in the art and have been used over the yearsto accurately mount one structure to a substrate structure. With respectto the invention of this application, it has been found that themounting systems work particularly to accurately mount a workholdingdevice onto a subplate wherein the subplate can be fixed relative to amachining table. Thus, this application will be described with referenceto these structures, but has broader application wherein thisdescription should not be limiting in nature.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

Quick-change tooling and mounting systems have been used over the yearsand come in many forms wherein some of these forms are simple designswhile others are more complex. These prior systems are herebyincorporated by reference into this application and form part of thisspecification. Many of these systems have been around for a number ofyears such as U.S. Pat. No. 2,707,419, to Schron which discloses asystem for locating a fixture plate. U.S. Pat. No. 4,932,295 to Ericksondiscloses an automatic clamping unit for receiving and holding a toolholder. These systems have been improved over the years and theseimprovements include JERGENS' BALL LOCK and DROP & LOCK mounting systemswhich are quick change system for mounting one structure to anotherstructure wherein attached are printouts disclosing this system. FurtherU.S. Pat. Nos. 8,534,658 and 8,727,329 to Schron discloses a mountingsystem for joining a fixture plate to a subplate and the like. Again,all of these devices and patents are incorporated by reference into thisapplication and form part of this specification.

The above referenced systems have been found to be very effective inthis art, but relate to a mounting system that has individual lockingshanks wherein each shank must be secured individually. Over the years,these systems have been improved wherein U. S. Publication No.2004/0256780 to Lang discloses a jig which can be preciselyrepositioned. U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,405 to Cayley. Jr. discloses a fastchange set-up device for work on work support. U.S. Pat. No. 4,881,727to Newirovsky discloses a clamping mechanism. U. S. Publication No.2008/0174077 to Lang discloses a self-centering chuck. Further, MidacoCorporation sells a Micro Pallet System MPS for work holding wherein theattached printouts of this system are attached. Again, all of thesereferenced devices, patents and applications are hereby incorporated byreference into this application and form part of this specification.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,708,323 to Hoyt et al. discloses a mounting system andis also incorporated by reference herein and a copy is attached heretowherein it forms part of the specification of this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Again, the invention of this application relates to mounting system andwill be described in connection with fixture plates and subplates;however, the invention of this application has a much broaderapplication and can be used in connection with a wide range ofquick-change systems and even long-term mounting systems. Mountingsystems have been used over the years for a wide range of applicationsand can be used to quickly and accurately locate and lock a fixtureplate or other workholding device to a subplate. Further, additionalmounting and/or positioning structures can be used in connection withthe workholding system. The above referenced patents, applications anddevices show a progression in the art which as led to the invention ofthis application.

More particularly, it has been found that the LANG workholding systemprovided improvements in the art for locating and holding a fixtureplate to a subplate. However, it has also been found that the LANGsystem has deficiencies and inefficiencies. In particular, and withreference to U. S. Publication No. 2004/0256780 and U. S. PublicationNo. 2008/0174077 both to Lang, the mounting systems utilize the ends ofthe clamping plungers to engage his positioning pins. One of theseproblems is that this design requires a plunger for each positioningpin. Further, by utilizing the end of the plunger for the hold-downengagement, the camming angles of the system can be to great therebyincreasing the force needed to provide the desired hold-down forcesand/or increasing the pin diameter of the positioning pins. Theseconditions adversely affect the cost of the mounting system and theoverall performance of the system. Further, it increases the number ofparts and machining operations needed to produce the system which canresult in quality issues. As a result, these systems can be expensiveand they can produce machining variations in operation. Similarly, U.S.Pat. No. 5,167,405 to Cayley. Jr. and U.S. Pat. No. 4,881,727 toNewirovsky use the end of the clamping plungers to engage thepositioning pins. As can be seen by all of these discloses, thesemounting systems include many parts and require many complex machiningoperations to produce.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,708,323 to Hoyt et al. overcame many of the problems inthe art and represents a significant improvement in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, provided is a mounting systemthat has the useful benefits of the prior art mounting systems but whichovercomes many of the shortcomings in these prior art systems. Moreparticularly, provided is a mounting system for securing a fixture plateor work holding device to a subplate which both locates the workholdingdevice and which provides significant clamping forces to vastly reducemachining variations. Further, the system of this application is a quickchange system and can be used with a wide variety of workholding devicesand elements and can be used in connection with a wide range ofmachining equipment.

More particularly, the mounting system according to the presentinvention includes a dual cam system wherein the cams of the plunger(s)are each utilized to engage a separate pull down stud wherein the camsare self aligning relative to one another to provide maximum hold downforce for the pull down stud with the high cost of close tolerancemachining. Accordingly, the dual cam system of this application canbalance forces, improve performance and reduce costs.

According to one set of embodiments, provided is a mounting systemhaving a dual plunger arrangement wherein the side of each plunger has apull down cam to provide a desired pull down action in relation to atleast two studs, the cams moving relative to one another and axiallyaligning relative to one another relative to the two axially spaced pulldown studs to allow the plungers to provide a maximum hold down forcefor the two pull down studs, balance the hold down forces therebymaximizing performance and reducing unlocking forces.

According to this set of embodiments, provided is a mounting system forsupporting a workholding device having a base block with a block bottomand a block top with at least one side block surface between the blockbottom and top. The base block further includes a plunger passage andfirst and stud passages and the plunger passage extends into the baseblock from the at least one side surface and extends inwardly along aplunger axis. The stud passages extend into the base block from one ofthe block bottom and the block top along first and second stud axis andthe stud axes being generally parallel to one another and transverse tothe plunger axis. The stud axes being radially spaced from the plungeraxis. The stud passages intersecting the plunger passage in spaced firstand second locking regions. The system further includes a dual plungerarrangement having both a first plunger extending along the plunger axisand a second independent plunger extending along the same plunger axis.Each of the first and second plungers having an inner end and an outerend and each having an outer plunger surface between the ends that areat least partially shaped to be received in the plunger passage suchthat the plungers move axially along the plunger axis in a lockingmotion toward and away from one another between an unlocked conditionand a locked condition. Each plunger further including a radiallyextending pocket or clearance with a pull down cam and an axially spacedclearance slots.

The system further including a first and a second pull down stud shapedto be received, respectively, in the first and second stud passages andthe studs being connectable with an associated workholding device andextending between a stud inner end and a stud outer end along a studaxis. The studs each having a locking groove between the stud ends. Theclearance slot of each plunger allowing the corresponding stud groove toenter the corresponding locking region. Once the studs are in theirrespective locking region, axial movement of the plungers along theplunger axis engages the pull down cam against the stud grooves therebyurging the studs into the stud passages and providing the hold-downforce for securing the associated workholding device relative to thebase block. In that the plungers are configured to at least partiallymove axially independently of one another, they can self align relativeto one another and provide equal hold down force on the correspondingstuds.

According to another set of embodiments, provided is a mounting systemfor supporting a workholding device wherein the locking motion includesthe first and second plungers of the dual plunger system moving alongthe plunger axis relative to one another when moving between the lockedand unlocked conditions.

According to one set of embodiments, the locking motion of the first andsecond plungers of the dual plunger system are the first and secondplunger moving toward another into the locked condition and moving awayfrom one another when moving toward the unlocked conditions.

According to further embodiments, the mounting system further includesan axially floatable plunger rod that extends between a first rod endand a second rod end opposition of the first rod end and extends alongthe plunger axis. The plunger rod being allowed to at least partiallyaxially float with the plunger passage along the plunger axis to allowfor equalized force being applied to the hold down studs to balance holddown forced in the studs. The first plunger having a first rod openingand the second plunger having a second rod opening.

In one set of embodiments, the plunger rod has a rod head and a threadedrod portion. The system further includes at least one plunger spring.The first plunger having a head engaging surface and the first rodopening being sized to allow free relative rotation of the rod withinthe first passage. The second plunger having a second rod openingincluding a second rod opening thread and the second rod opening threadbeing in threaded engagement with the threaded rod portion wherein therotation of the plunger rod relative to the second plunger causesthreaded motion of the second plunger along the plunger axis within theplunger passage. With respect to the locking motion, rotation of theplunger rod in a first direction moving the second plunger inwardlytoward the first plunger and the rod head engaging the head engagingsurface of the first plunger to urge the first plunger toward the secondplunger wherein rotation of the plunger rod in the first directionproduces locking motion toward the locked condition. In that the systemincludes selective axial floating or motion of the plunger rod with thepassage, the two plungers are automatically aligned relative to thestuds once they begin to engage the studs to provide automatic axialalignment wherein generally the same hold down force on both studs canbe achieved without the need for tight tolerance machining of theplungers and/or studs. This has been found to allow for a wider range ofmanufacturing techniques to produce the components of the invention ofthis application, which significantly reduces costs.

Then, rotation of the plunger rod in a second direction, that isopposite of the first direction, threadingly moves the second plungeroutwardly away from the first plunger and the rod head moving away fromthe head engaging surface of the first plunger to allow the first andsecond plungers to move away from each other. The at least one plungerspring urging the first and second plungers away from one another torelease the studs wherein rotation of the plunger rod in the seconddirection produces unlocking motion toward the unlocked condition.

According to another set of embodiments, the embodiment reference aboveis reversed wherein outward movement is toward the locked condition andinward movement is toward the unlocked condition (not shown).

According to yet further embodiments, the mounting system includes adual threaded plunger rod that extends between the first rod end and thesecond rod end that is opposite of the first rod end and which extendsalong the plunger axis. The dual plunger rod being allowed to at leastpartially axially float with the plunger passage along the plunger axis.The dual plunger rod having a clockwise threaded rod portion at or nearthe first end and a counterclockwise threaded portion at or near thesecond end. The first rod opening of the first plunger including aclockwise opening thread that threadingly engages the clockwise threadedrod portion and the second rod opening of the second plunger including acounterclockwise opening thread that threadingly engages thecounterclockwise threaded rod portion. With respect to the lockingmotion, rotation of the plunger rod in the first direction threadinglymoving both the first and the second plungers inwardly toward oneanother based on the threaded engagement between the rod and theplungers wherein rotation of the plunger rod in the first directionproduces locking motion toward the locked condition. Then, rotation ofthe plunger rod in the second direction, that is opposite of the firstdirection, threadingly moving both the first and second plungersoutwardly away from one another wherein rotation of the plunger rod inthe second direction produces unlocking motion toward the unlockedcondition with a spring.

According to even yet further embodiments, the embodiment referenceabove is reversed wherein outward movement is toward the lockedcondition and inward movement is toward the unlocked condition (notshown). Yet further, either the first or second plunger and/or rodsections can have clockwise or counterclockwise threads withoutdetracting from the invention of this application.

According to even yet further embodiments, the system can includeaxially transverse alignment. More particularly, the system can includeone or more plungers that include oppositely facing cams. In thisrespect, the plunger(s) can include a first side and a second sidewherein the first side can include a first pull down cam and the secondside can include a second pull down cam. Moreover, the first and secondcams can be oppositely facing cams wherein the forces are balancedbetween the first and second cams and a first and a second stud,respectively, which are spaced from one another transverse to theplunger axis. Yet even further, the plunger(s) can be configured suchthat the two-sided plunger(s) is automatically axially transverselyalignable relative to transversely spaced first and second pull downstuds once the plunger begins to engage the first and second studswherein to again balance forces and maximize performance withoutincreasing manufacturing costs.

According to even other embodiments, the two sided plunger(s) caninclude a transverse elongation to allowed extended spacing between thefirst and second studs.

According to a further set of embodiments, provided is a mounting systemfor supporting a workholding device wherein the first and second studpassages are spaced axially from one another along the plunger axisand/or space transversely to the plunger axis.

According to further sets of embodiments, provided is a mounting systemfor supporting a workholding device wherein the system includes aplurality of plungers and/or a plurality of pull down studs. Further, atleast one of the studs can also be a locating stud for locating theassociated device with the base block.

According to a further set of embodiments, provided is a mounting systemfor supporting a workholding device wherein the system includes multipleplungers.

According to a further set of embodiments, provided is a mounting systemfor supporting a workholding device wherein the system further includesa mounting arrangement to secure the base block to another workholdingelement. This mounting arrangement can be any mounting arrangement knownin the art including, but not limited to threaded screws and locatingpins. Yet even further, the system can include other workholding elementincluding risers, sub plates, tomb stones and base plates. Yet further,the system can be utilized with a wide range of workholding devicesincluding, but not limited to fixturing plates, dumb bell risers andvises. In any of these embodiments, the pull down stud can be fixedrelative to the devices or intricately formed in these devices.

These and other objects, features, embodiments and advantages of theinvention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon areading of the detailed description of the invention set forth below,taken together with the drawings which will be described in the nextsection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangementsof parts, and a preferred set of embodiments of which will be describedin detail and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which form apart of the specification and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mounting system according to certainaspects of the present invention which includes four plungers and fourpull down studs wherein one set of plungers is shown in a lockedcondition and the other is shown in an unlocked condition;

FIG. 2 is a side view, partially in section, of the mounting systemshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top sectional view taken along lines 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a mounting system according to certainother aspects of the present invention which also includes four plungersand four pull down studs wherein one set of plungers is shown in alocked condition and the other is shown in an unlocked condition; and,

FIG. 5 is a top sectional view of the mounting system shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of a stud according to certain aspects ofthe present invention;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of yet another mounting system according toother aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a top sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9; and,

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line 11-11 in FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purposeof illustrating preferred and alternative embodiments of the inventiononly and not for the purpose of limiting the same, shown in FIGS. 1-3 isa mounting system 10 that shows one of the multitude of embodiments ofthe invention of this application wherein the invention of thisapplication is not to be limited to the example embodiments.

More particularly, shown is a system 10 that includes a base block 12,at least one plunger arrangement 14, and includes two or more pull downstuds 16 which work together to secure an associated device (not shown)to an underlying support surface (also not shown). In this particularembodiment, two plunger arrangements are shown 14A & 14B and four pulldown studs are shown 16; however, this is not required and more or lesscould be used. Further, these components are being commonly numbered inthe interest of brevity wherein each plunger and/or each hold down studdoes not need to be the identical or even substantially similar to theother ones. The associated device can include, but is not limited to oneor more vises, dumb bells and/or fixture plates. Further, the underlyingdevices can be any support structure including, but not limited to, atomb stone, a sub plate and a machine table.

With respect to the embodiment shown, base block 12 includes a blockbottom 20 and a block top 22; however, this is not to be interpreted toindicate the orientation of this block. Block 12 further includes blocksides 30-33 in that this particular embodiment is a four sided baseblock, but this is not required. Sides 30-33 can extend between blocktop 22 and block bottom 20 and can be any number of sides. Block 12further includes one or more mounting holes 36, which can be anyarrangement known in the art to secure base block 12 to the underlyingsupport surface, not shown. Moreover, block 12 can include one or morealignment pin openings 38, which can be any arrangement known in the artto help secure base block 12 to the underlying support surface, notshown.

Base block 12 further including plunger passages 40 and 42 and four studpassages 50-53. Stud passages 50-53 can have a wide range ofconfigurations without detracting from the invention of thisapplication. For example, and as is shown in certain figures, studpassages 50-53 can be blind holes in the base block. Moreover, the studpassages can be through holes extending from the block top to the blockbottom. The plunger passage can extend into the base block from anysurface including extending inwardly from side 30 along passage axes 56and 58, respectively. The stud passages can extend into the base blockfrom block top 22 along stud axes 60-63 and the stud axes are generallytransverse to the corresponding plunger axes and radially spaced fromthe corresponding plunger axes. The stud passages intersect the plungerpassages in a locking region 70.

The plunger arrangements 14A and 14B each extend along a plunger axis 72between a first end 74 and a second end 76. Plunger arrangements 14A and14B in this set of embodiments each include a first plunger 80, a secondplunger 82 (both of which will be discussed more below) and a plungerrod 86. Plunger arrangements 14A and 14B further include one or morereturn springs 88, which will be discussed more below.

Plunger passages 40 and 42 can further include plunger pockets. In thisrespect, plunger passage 40 can include a first plunger pocket 90 shapedto receive first plunger 80 and a second plunger pocket 92 shaped toreceive second plunger 82 wherein passage 40 can include a central rodopening portion 94 shaped to allow passage of only plunger rod 86wherein first plunger pocket 90 includes a spring wall or surface 100and second plunger pocket 92 includes a second spring wall or surface102. Further, first plunger pocket 90 can be configured to preventrelative rotation of first plunger 80 within pocket 90 and secondplunger pocket 92 can be configured to prevent relative rotation ofsecond plunger 82 within pocket 92. As is shown, but is not required,system 10 includes an anti-rotation pin 140 and first plunger 80includes a flat section 110 and second plunger 82 includes a flatsection 112. These anti-rotation features can be any features that allowrelative axial movement of plungers 80 and 82 along plunger passage axis56 without relative rotation about axis 56; one of which will bediscussed more below. Yet even further, pin 140 can be an actuation stoppin that limits the travel of the plunger within the plunger passage,which can have multiple function in relation to the systems of thisapplication. In this respect, pins 140 can be utilized to ensure thatthe plungers remain within the plunger passages. Moreover, the stops canhelp to control the outward movement of the plungers when the plungersare being loosened. In that the plunger are capable of floating withinthe plunger passage, so that they can self center relative to the pulldown studs, one plunger could release from the pull down stud before theother plunger releases from the pull down stud. If this occurs, thestops could be utilized to stop the travel of the one plunger to directthe loosening force to the other plunger to release the other plungerfrom the pull down stud. Thus, the stops can ensure that both plungersrelease from both pull down studs.

Similarly, plunger passage 42 can include a first plunger pocket 120shaped to receive first plunger 80 and a second plunger pocket 122shaped to receive second plunger 82 wherein passage 42 can include acentral rod opening portion 124 shaped to allow passage of only plungerrod 86 wherein first plunger pocket 120 includes a spring wall orsurface 130 and second plunger pocket 122 includes a second spring wallor surface 132. Further, first plunger pocket 120 can be configured toprevent relative rotation of first plunger 80 within pocket 120 andsecond plunger pocket 122 can be configured to prevent relative rotationof second plunger 82 within pocket 122. As is shown, but is notrequired, first plunger 80 can include flat section 110 and secondplunger can include flat section 112 that work in connection with pins140 to prevent unwanted rotation. Again, these features can be anyfeatures that allow relative axial movement of plungers 80 and 82 alongplunger passage axis 58 without relative rotation about axis 58.Moreover, and as will be discussed more below, the shape of the plungerpocket/passage and the plunger also can be utilized and/or configured toallow for other features for the system.

In this set of embodiments, plunger rod 86 is allowed to at leastpartially selectively float within the plunger passage along the plungeraxis. In this respect, first plunger 80 has a first rod opening 160 andsecond plunger has a second rod opening 162. In one set of embodiments,plunger rod 86 has a rod head 170 and a threaded rod portion 172. Thefirst plunger further includes a head engaging surface 180 and first rodopening 160 that can be sized to allow free relative rotation of rod 86within first opening 160. Second rod opening 162 can include a secondrod opening threaded portion 190 and the second rod opening threadedportion being in threaded engagement with threaded rod portion 172wherein the rotation of plunger rod 86 relative to the second plungercauses threaded motion of the second plunger along the plunger axiswithin the plunger passage. As with any embodiments in this application,the threaded portion(s), which are relative to the plunger(s), can be apart of the plunger itself and/or a separate component that is fixedrelative to and/or engages the plunger to produce the noted movement.Thus, the plunger(s) can be a unitary component and/or an assemblywithout detracting from the invention of this application. With respectto the locking motion, rotation of the plunger rod in a first directionthreadingly moves second plunger 82 inwardly toward first plunger 80 androd head 170 engaging head engaging surface 180 of first plunger 80 tourge the first plunger toward the second plunger at least when contactis made with the hold down studs. Continued rotation of the plunger rodin the first direction produces locking motion toward the lockedcondition, which is shown in second plunger arrangement 14B. In thatsystem 10 includes selective axial floating and/or automatic axialadjustment or motion of rod 86, plungers 80 and 82 are automaticallyaxially aligned relative to studs 16 during engagement therewith andwill provide generally the same hold down force on both without the needfor tight tolerance machining of the plungers and/or studs. In greaterdetail, first plunger 80 includes a first axially extending cams 83 thatgenerally extends parallel to the plunger axis and can include any typeof cam surfaces to facilitate the locking action between the axial camand the stud. First plunger 80 further includes a clearance path 84 thatcan be directly adjacent to cam 83, but this is not required. As will bediscussed more below, the clearance path can be any configuration toallow entry of the stud into the stud passage including, but not limitedto, a pocket, a plunger edge and/or an extent of the plunger. Similarly,second plunger 82 includes a first axially extending cams 85 thatgenerally extends parallel to the plunger axis and can include any typeof cam surfaces to facilitate the locking action between the axial camand the stud. Second plunger 82 further includes a clearance path 87,which can be directly adjacent to cam 85, but this is not required.Again, the clearance path can be any configuration to allow entry of thestud into the stud passage including, but not limited to, a pocket, aplunger edge and/or an extent of the plunger. As is referenced above,U.S. Pat. No. 8,708,323 to Hoyt is incorporated by reference into thisapplication wherein the '323 Patent details axial cams that can beutilized, stud cams that can be utilized, the engagement between thestud and the plunger wherein, in the interest of brevity, this is notagain described in detail in this application.

To loosen the system, plunger rod is rotated in a second direction, thatis opposite of the first direction, which threadingly moves secondplunger 82 outwardly away from first plunger 80. Continued rotation willmove rod head 170 away from head engaging surface 180 of first plunger80 to allow the first and second plungers to move away from each other.At least one plunger return spring 88 can be used to urge the first andsecond plungers away from one another without threaded engagementbetween the first plunger and the rod wherein rotation of the plungerrod in the second direction produces unlocking motion toward theunlocked condition shown in first plunger arrangement 14A.

With reference to FIGS. 4 & 5, shown is a system 200 that includes adifferent set of plunger arrangements. However, in the interest ofbrevity, the discussion of system 200 will be limited to thesedistinctions. In addition, like reference number will be used tosimplify the disclosure. However, this is not to be interpreted to limitthe invention or to assert substantial identity therebetween.

In greater detail, system 200 includes a base block 212 that can havethe same features described above with respect to block 12. Base block12 includes plunger passages 240 and 242 and four stud passages 50-53that can be the same as above. The plunger passage can extend into thebase block from any surface including extending inwardly from side 30along passage axes 56 and 58, respectively. System 200 includes plungerarrangements 214A and 214B that each extend along plunger axis 72between first end 74 and second end 76. The plunger arrangements in thisset of embodiments includes a first plunger 280, a second plunger 282and a plunger rod 286.

As with the embodiments discussed above, plunger passages 240 and 242can extend through the base block or be formed by plunger pockets. Inthis respect, plunger passage 240 can include a first plunger pocket 290shaped to receive first plunger 280 and a second plunger pocket 292shaped to receive second plunger 282 wherein passage 240 can include acentral rod opening portion 294 shaped to allow passage of only plungerrod 286. As with the embodiment above, pins 140, opening 294 and/orother features can be used alone or in combination to limit the axialfloat of plunger rod 286. In addition, first plunger pocket 290 includesan inner wall or surface 300 and second plunger pocket 292 includes asecond inner wall or surface 302. While springs are not shown in thisembodiment, they could be used. Further, first plunger pocket 290 alsocan be configured to prevent relative rotation of first plunger 280within pocket 290 and second plunger pocket 292 can be configured toprevent relative rotation of second plunger 282 within pocket 292. As isshown, but is not required, system 200 can include an anti-rotationpassage flats 340 in the passages and first plunger 280 can includes aflat section 310 and second plunger 282 includes a flat section 312.These anti-rotation features can be any features that allow relativeaxial movement of plungers 280 and 282 along plunger passage axis 56without relative rotation about axis 56.

Similarly, plunger passage 242 can include a first plunger pocket 320shaped to receive first plunger 280 and a second plunger pocket 322shaped to receive second plunger 282 wherein passage 242 can include acentral rod opening portion 324 shaped to allow passage of only plungerrod 286 wherein first plunger pocket 320 includes an inner wall orsurface 330 and second plunger pocket 322 includes a second inner wallor surface 332. Further, first plunger pocket 320 can be configured toprevent relative rotation of first plunger 280 within pocket 320 andsecond plunger pocket 322 can be configured to prevent relative rotationof second plunger 282 within pocket 322. As is shown, but is notrequired, first plunger 280 can include flat section 310 and secondplunger 282 can include flat section 312 that work in connection withpassage flats 340 to prevent rotation. Again, these features can be anyfeatures that allow relative axial movement of plungers 280 and 282along plunger passage axis 58 without relative rotation about axis 58.

In this set of embodiments, plunger rod 286 is also allowed to at leastpartially selectively float within the plunger passage along the plungeraxis as discussed above. However, in this embodiment, first plunger 280has a first rod opening 360 and second plunger has a second rod opening362 that are both threaded. In this respect, plunger rod 286 includes afirst threaded rod portion 370 having a clockwise thread and a secondthreaded rod portion 372 having a counterclockwise thread (or viceversa). First plunger 280 further includes a clockwise threaded portion380 included in first rod opening 362 configured to threadingly engagefirst threaded rod portion 370 within first opening 360. Second rodopening 362 includes a second rod opening threaded portion 390 that is acounterclockwise thread for threaded engagement with second threadedportion 372 wherein the rotation of plunger rod 286 relative to theplungers cause opposite threaded motion of both plungers. Again, theclockwise and counterclockwise threads could be reversed withoutdetracting from the invention of this application. With respect to thelocking motion, rotation of the plunger rod in a first directionthreadingly moves both the first and second plungers inwardly toward oneanother based on the threaded engagement between the rod and theplungers wherein rotation of the plunger rod in the first directionproduces locking motion toward the locked condition shown with respectto plunger arrangement 214B. In that rod 286 is allowed to selectivelyfloat within the passage, the plungers automatically center relative tostuds 16 during engagement therewith to provide substantially equal holddown force. Then, rotation of the plunger rod in the second direction,that is opposite of the first direction, threadingly moves both thefirst and second plungers outwardly away from one another whereinrotation of the plunger rod in the second direction produces unlockingmotion toward the unlocked condition as is shown in plunger arrangement214A. System 200, and the other systems of this application, can furtherinclude a pair of stops 392 and 393 which can have multiple function inrelation to the systems of this application. In this respect, stops 392and 393 can be utilized to maintain a proper rotational orientation ofthe plunger within the passage and/or can ensure that the plungersremain within the plunger passages. Moreover, the stops can help tocontrol the outward movement of the plungers when the plungers are beingloosened. In that the plunger are capable of floating within the plungerpassage, so that they can self center relative to the pull down studs,one plunger could release from the pull down stud before the otherplunger releases from the pull down stud. If this occurs, the stopscould be utilized to stop the travel of the one plunger to direct theloosening force to the other plunger to release the other plunger fromthe pull down stud. Thus, the stops can ensure that both plungersrelease from both pull down studs.

The plungers can include a wide range of radially outwardly facing outerplunger surfaces to allow the plungers to be controllably received inthe corresponding plunger pockets without detracting from the inventionof this application. A couple of which are shown in this application,but this application is not to be limited to the example embodimentsshown.

The pull down studs 16 are shaped to be received in one of stud passages50-53 and are connectable with one or more associated devices (notshown) to secure and position the device relative to the block. Studs 16extend between a stud inner end and a stud outer end and include alocking groove between the stud ends. When in the unlocked condition,clearance slot of the respective plunger is aligned with the studpassage allowing the stud groove to enter the locking region. As will bediscussed more below, the clearance slot can have a wide range ofconfigurations without detracting from the invention of thisapplication. In this respect, the clearance slot can include a recess orpocket in the plunger itself to allow the passage of the stud intolocking region 70. However, it can also include a shortened plungerwherein an inner edge of the plunger forms the clearance. In thisrespect, the stud can pass into the locking region when the plunger isspaced from the locking region and wherein the plunger is thereaftermoved into the locking region to engage the stud. Once the stud is inthe locking region, axial movement of the plunger along the plunger axisdirects the respective pull down cam into the stud groove thereby engagethe pull down cam against the stud groove and urging the stud into thestud passage thereby providing a hold-down force between the base blockand the associated device for securing the associated workholding devicerelative to the base block.

As for the rotation of plunger rod 86, 286, any head design can beutilized without detracting from the invention of this application. Thisincludes external head designs as is shown in FIGS. 4 & 5 and internalhead designs as is shown in FIGS. 1-3.

According to yet other embodiments, the plungers can be an assembly havea core portion and an external portion. And, the core portion can beallowed to rotate while the external portion is fixed relative to thepassage.

In yet other embodiments, the plungers can be actuated by any meansknown in the art including, but not limited to, pressurized air,hydraulics, toggle mechanisms and knobs.

As is referenced above, the mounting system can include a wide range ofpull down studs and/or plungers without detracting from the invention ofthis application. Further, the base block can be configured such thatthe block top can extend in any direction including, but not limited toextending horizontally.

According to other embodiments of the invention of this application, thestud groove of stud 16 can be a V-shaped groove that extendscircumferentially about the corresponding stud axes. Further, stud 16can be a cylindrical shaped stud wherein the orientation (rotational) ofstud 16 relative to stud passages 50-53 is not important wherein studgroove will align with locking region 70 regardless of the studrotational orientation in the stud passage. In other embodiments, pulldown stud 16 can have other configurations and/or stud groove can beconfigured to prevent rotation of the stud relative to the block when inthe locked condition. While this can be handled by the clamping forcesbetween the stud and the block, it can also be handled by matingconfiguration designed to prevent rotation. Yet even further, at leastone stud can be a locating stud wherein at least a portion of the studhas a tight tolerance fit with the stud passage to locate the thislocating stud relative to the base block. As a result, the system ofthis application can both hold the associated device relative to thebase block and position the associated device relative to the base blockin a predetermined location. As can be appreciated, this can be used toquickly mount the associated device in a desired position and/orrepeatedly mount multiple associated devices in a (for example)machining operation to run production. Studs 16 can include ainterengagement configuration to help secure the stud to an associateddevice. This can include, but is not limited to, a threaded openingand/or a pilot head. As can be appreciated, the threaded opening can beany threaded opening and pilot head can be any shape including anymating shape.

With reference to FIGS. 6-8, stud 16 can be a wide range ofconfiguration without detracting from the invention of this application.As noted above, studs 16 are shaped to be received in one of studpassages 50-53 and are connectable with one or more of the top tooling(again, not shown) to secure and position the tooling relative to block12. Studs 16 extend between a stud inner end 400 and a stud outer end402 and include an outer surface 403. Studs 16 further include a studcam or locking groove 404 between the stud ends. When the system is inthe unlocked condition, there is a clearance path associated with therespective plunger that is aligned with the stud passage. As is notedabove, this can include a wide range of configurations withoutdetracting from the invention. This alignment allows the stud to enterthe stud passage and allows for the alignment of the stud cam in thelocking region. Once the stud cam is in the locking region, axialmovement of the plunger along the plunger axis directs the respectiveplunger or pull down cam into stud cam 404 thereby engaging the plungercam against the stud cam and urging the stud into the stud passageand/or into a desired locking position thereby providing a holding forcebetween the base block and the associated device for securing theassociated top tooling relative to the base block. FIG. 6 shows a sideview of stud 16A in accordance to certain aspects of the invention ofthis application. FIGS. 7 and 8 show examples of differentcross-sectional configurations that could be used for stud 16. FIG. 7shows stud 16A that is a prior art stud configuration that has a roundconfiguration. FIG. 8 shows stud 16B in accordance with certain aspectsof the invention that includes a diamond-shaped stud configuration. Stud16B can include a similar stud cam or locking groove 404 as any priorstud without detracting from the invention of this application. Ingreater detail, stud 16B includes leading edge 426 and a trailing edge428. Stud 16B further includes a first side or edge 430 and a secondside or edge 432. As is shown, leading edge 426 face the direction inwhich the plunger moves toward and away from the pull down stud. In thisorientation, first side or edge 430 faces locking region 70 wherein thelocking action between the plungers and the pull down studs take place.Stud 16B further includes at least one clearance region 420 within thelocking region wherein stud 16B is non-circular. Stud 16B can includemultiple clearance regions 420 wherein the stud shown includes fourclearance regions 420-423, which produces a diamond shapedconfiguration. This allows cam engagement to take place in fourdifferent alignments between the stud and the plunger cam. The use ofthe at least one clearance region 420 reduces the amount of axial travel427 that is needed for the plunger to clear the stud passage and allowthe stud to enter the passage. Thus, the resulting axial travel 427needed to actuate the plunger between the unlocked condition and thelocked condition (and vice versa) is significantly reduced. However, theclearance path does not have to extend the entire length of the studwherein an operation portion of the stud can include the clearance path.As is shown, axial travel 427B of stud 16B with relief 420 is less thanaxial travel 427A of a traditional round stud. Moreover, this studconfiguration can be utilized with respect to any embodiments of thisapplication.

While a two locking region plunger is shown in the figures of thisapplication, the number of locking regions per plunger is unlimited. Forexample, a single locking region could be utilized which could be usedto secure a single dumb bell riser. Or, three or more regions could beused for larger and/or more precise mounting configurations.

In yet other embodiments, the plunger can be configured to be insetwithin the plunger passage when in the locked condition. This can beutilized to prevent the plunger from interfering with an associatedoperation such as a machining operation. For example only, the mountingsystem of this application can be utilized on a 5 axis machine whereinthe machining head can move about and below the part being machined. Ascan be appreciated, a plunger extending outwardly of the base couldbecome an obstacle for this machining head. Further, the invention ofthis application can be used in combination with any tooling known inthe art or which will be known in the art in the future. Again, this caninclude a wide range of sub plates, riser both above and below the baseblock and vises. It has been found to work particularly well withdovetail vises.

Yet even further, the system can further include a mounting arrangementto secure the base block to these other workholding elements. This caninclude, but is not limited to, threaded screws and locating pins, andassignee's BALL LOCK system or other systems such as the ones disclosedin U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/754,026 to Schron which isincorporated by reference into the specification of this application.

Other embodiments include one or more hold down studs 16 being joinableto the (for example only) fixturing plate, a dumb bell riser and a vise.In other embodiments, the stud can be a part of these devices whereinthe associated device is manufacture with one or more hold down studs.

In yet other embodiments, the system can include a plunger retainerwhich can be a threaded plug to engage a pocket in one or more of theplungers. This arrangement can be used to prevent the plunger fromfalling from the plunger passage and/or control movement of theplungers.

Yet even further, the system can further include one or moredisengagement arrangements 450 as is shown in FIGS. 1-3. Thedisengagement arrangements can help release plungers 80 and/or 82 if theplungers become locked in the locked condition against the stud withinthe plunger pocket. This can occur due to wear or overtightening of theplunger against the stud. However, when this happens, the system can bedifficult to disassemble without damaging the system and/or destroyingthe base block. Arrangement 450 can include a set screw, wedge pin, orother mechanical device that is in alignment with the plunger within theplunger pocket when in the locked condition. The arrangement includes ashaped end 452 to engage a designated disengagement surface of theplungers to urge or move the plunger slightly in the unlocking directionto break it loose from the locked condition. Surface 452 can be angledsuch that tightening of arrangement 450 urges the plunger axially towardthe unlocked condition. Disengagement arrangement can enter the pocketfrom any side of the base block, but it is preferred that it enter byway of one of the sides of the base block to allow the end user tomanually disengage the plunger from the stud pocket when the system isin a mounted condition to allow selective release of the plunger duringuse.

With reference to FIGS. 9-11, shown is yet another set of embodimentsthat show axially transverse automatic alignment for the plunger cams.In this respect, and as is discussed more above, the system of thisapplication can include axially spaced cams that can move relative toone another to allow axial alignment between the cams to help the camsself align to thereby both balance forces and reduce manufacturingtolerances thereby both increasing performance and reducing costs. Theembodiments of FIGS. 9-11 can include any of the structure described ingreater detail above. Accordingly, in the interest of brevity, thesestructures will not be repeated in reference to these embodiments. Ingreater detail, the embodiments and/or invention of this application canfurther include automatic alignment with respect to plunger cams that istransverse to one another with respect to the plunger axis in additionto the axial alignment. Moreover, the balancing of forces can also betransverse to the plunger axis.

In greater detail, shown is a system 500 that includes a plungerarrangement 502. Again, in the interest of brevity, the discussion ofsystem 500 will be limited to these distinctions. In addition, likereference number again will be used to simplify the disclosure. However,this is not to be interpreted to limit the invention or to assertsubstantial identity therebetween.

As with the embodiments shown above, system 500 includes a base block504, which can have the same features as the based blocks describedabove. Again, since aspects of the base block shown in these embodimentscan be the same, common reference numbers are being used in the interestof brevity and clarity. However, this should not be interpreted tonarrow the disclosure and the invention of this application. Again,there are also distinction in the base block of this set of embodiments,which allow for the function of the plungers of these embodiments.Moreover, other changes could be made to the base block and/or theplungers without detracting from the invention of this application. Baseblock 504 includes a block bottom 20 and a block top 22; however, thisis not to be interpreted to indicate the orientation of this block. Baseblock 504 further includes block sides 30-33 in that this particularembodiment is a four sided base block, but this is not required. Sides30-33 can extend between block top 22 and block bottom 20 and can be anynumber of sides. Base block 504 further includes one or more mountingholes 36, which can be any arrangement known in the art to secure baseblock 12 to the underlying support surface, not shown. In the embodimentshown, there are only two mounting holes.

In the interest of brevity, system 500 is shown such that one plunger isshown in FIG. 10. in the unlocked condition and the other is shown inthe locked condition, which will be discussed more below. Base block 504including a single plunger passage 508, but this is not required.Moreover, the embodiment shown includes a plunger passage that extendsthrough the entire block wherein it does not include plunger pockets,but this is not required either wherein this set of embodiments caninclude separate plunger pockets and/or other features described ingreater detail above in relation to other embodiments of thisapplication. Plunger passage include passage portions 510 and 512. As isshown, passage portion 510 is shown in an unlocked condition and passageportion 512 is shown in a locked condition. However, in operation, bothportions would be in either the locked or the unlocked condition undernormal circumstances. Base block 504 includes four stud passages 50-53that are configured to receive four studs 16, but more or less than fourcould be utilized. Again, in the interest of brevity, the studs and thelocking of the studs will not be discussed in detail with respect tothis set of embodiments. The plunger passage can extend into the baseblock from any surface including extending inwardly from sides 30 and 32along a passage axis 514. The stud passages can extend into the baseblock from block top 22 along stud axes 60-63 and the stud axes aregenerally transverse to the corresponding plunger axes and radiallyspaced from the corresponding plunger axes as is discussed in greaterdetail above. The stud passages intersect the plunger passages in alocking region 70.

The plunger arrangement 502 extends along a plunger axis 530 between afirst end 532 and a second end 534 wherein end 532 is shown in thelocked condition and end 534 is shown in the unlocked condition in FIG.10. Plunger arrangement 502 in this set of embodiments includes a firstplunger 540 and a second plunger 542 and a plunger rod 544. Plungerarrangement 502 can further includes one or more return springs (notshown), which can function as described above wherein the embodiments ofthis application can be modified to include any aspects described abovewith respect to the other embodiments of this application. Moreover, theembodiments described in this application are examples of the inventionof this application wherein these examples are not intended to limit theinvention of this application and wherein other embodiments, andequivalences thereto, are part of this application.

The main distinction in this embodiment is that plunger arrangement 502includes plunger configuration having a first side 550 and a second side552 wherein first side 550 includes a first cam region 560 and secondside includes a second cam region 562, which opposes the first camregion. In that the first and second cam regions oppose one another, theforces on the plunger are balanced; or at least more balanced. Moreover,and as will be discussed more below, the plunger(s) can be automaticallytransversely alignable to improve performance, balance locking forces,reduce jamming and reduce costs.

First cam region 560 includes a first pull down or locking plunger cam570 and second cam region 562 includes a second pull down or lockingplunger cam 572. Either cam region can include an axially spacedclearance slot or path or, as is shown, the plunger can include ashortened design wherein an inner edge extent 576 of the plunger canform the slot or path. The slot or path is configured to allow passageof the pull down stud into the locking region. The cams are axiallyextending cams that generally extend parallel to plunger axis 530 butinclude cam surfaces 580 and 582 that begin at or near the clearancepath or inner edge 576. The cam surfaces start at a first end 590 andextend toward a second end 592. Moreover, cam surfaces 580 and 582 candiverge from one another and diverge from axis 530 thereby forming a camhaving a generally V-shaped cross-sectional configuration having a baseedge 594, but which diverges radially from axis 530 from end 590 to end592. Base edge 594 can directly connect cam surfaces 580 and 582, andcan include a radiused portion separating these surfaces. Further, edge594, cam surfaces 580 and/or 582 can further include one or more reliefcuts between the cam surfaces and can form the beginning of the slot orpath. In addition, the cams can have one or more lead in cuts orchamfers at or near end 590 to help facilitate and guide the cam intothe stud cams of studs 16. However, while V-shape cams are shown anddescribed with two cam surfaces, the cams could include a single camsurface that is generally aligned axially with the plunger axis andwhich diverges from the axis to lockingly engage with studs 16. However,while like numbers are being used for both plungers, that does not meanthat the plunger must be the same. Different stud spacing could beincluded for each of the plungers in the system without detracting fromthe invention of this application.

In addition, the plungers can be configured to include lateral clearancebetween the plunger and the passage or passage portion(s) to allowtransverse movement in direction 600. This can be utilized to producethe automatically transversely alignability for the improvedperformance, balanced locking forces, reduced jamming and reduced costs.As with all of these embodiments that include axial and/or transverseaxial alignability, adjacent plungers, either axial adjacent and/ortransversely adjacent, can move relative to one another and/or relativeto the stud passages to automatically adjust and balance forces duringthe movement of the plungers toward the locked position. For the axialadjustability, the adjacent plunger can move axially relative to oneanother and the plunger rod can include a desired level of axial floator movement. This can be produced by any mechanical structure withoutdetracting from the invention of this application. This can include, butis not limited to a central wall portion (as described above), one ormore pins engaging one or more recesses in plunger rod and the like. Asis shown, system 500 can include a travel restriction pin 596 that canlimit travel and allow for automatic centering of the plungers as isdescribed above in greater detail. Pin 596 can interengage with a rodpocket 598 that can have a pocket width that is greater than the pinsize to allow axial movement of the rod to allow the self centeringaxial movement of the rod and plungers. Again, pin 596 can have multiplefunction in relation to the systems of this application wherein it alsocan be utilized to ensure that the plungers remain within the plungerpassages. Moreover, the pin 596 can help to control the outward movementof the plungers when the plungers are being loosened. In that theplunger are capable of floating within the plunger passage, so that theycan self center relative to the pull down studs, one plunger couldrelease from the pull down stud before the other plunger releases fromthe pull down stud. If this occurs, pin 596 can be utilized to stop thetravel of the one plunger to direct the loosening force to the otherplunger to release the other plunger from the pull down stud. Thus, thepin can ensure that both plungers release from both pull down studs. Theplungers can further include a sealing gasket 602 to reduce contaminantsentering the internal portions of the system.

In addition, the plungers can include an elongated configuration tocontrol the spacing between the transversely spaced pull down studs. Inthis respect, the plungers cams can include a lateral spacing 610 toallow for a desired lateral stud spacing 612. As is shown, first plunger540 includes first cam region 560 having first pull down or lockingplunger cam 570 and second cam region 562 that includes second pull downor locking plunger cam 572. The first and second cams are laterallyspaced from one another by lateral spacing 610. Similarly, secondplunger 542 includes first cam region 560 having first pull down orlocking plunger cam 570 and second cam region 562 that includes secondpull down or locking plunger cam 572. The first and second cams arelaterally spaced from one another by lateral spacing 610. However, thelateral spacing 610 of plunger 540 does not need to be the same aslateral spacing 610 for plunger 542. The plunger can further includeflat extensions 620 that can also function to prevent rotation of theplunger within the plunger passage(s).

While considerable emphasis has been placed on the preferred embodimentsof the invention illustrated and described herein, it will beappreciated that other embodiments, and equivalences thereof, can bemade and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodimentswithout departing from the principles of the invention. Furthermore, theembodiments described above can be combined to form yet otherembodiments of the invention of this application. Accordingly, it is tobe distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to beinterpreted nearly as illustrative of the invention and not as alimitation.

It is claimed:
 1. A mounting system comprising a base block and at leastone plunger arrangement; the at least one plunger arrangement includinga first plunger, a second plunger and a plunger rod; the first plungerincluding a first inner end, a first outer end and a first plunger rodopening, the first plunger having a first plunger side locking cambetween the first inner end and the first outer end that is operable ina first locking region; the second plunger including a second inner end,a second outer end and a second plunger rod opening, the second plungerhaving a second plunger side locking cam between the second inner endand the second outer end that is operable in a second locking region;the first inner end facing the second inner end; the plunger rodoperably joining the first and second plungers and extending along aplunger axis and having a first plunger rod end and a second plunger rodend; the plunger rod extending into the first and second plunger rodopenings and including a threaded rod portion and a tool receivingportion; at least one of the first and second plungers being operablyjoined relative to the threaded rod portion wherein rotation of theplunger rod in a first direction moves the first and second plungerstowards one another and rotation of the plunger rod in a seconddirection moves the first and second plungers away from one another; thebase block having a first block surface and a second block surface, thefirst block surface being configured to support an associated object;the base block further including a plunger passage, the plunger passageextending within the base block along a plunger passage axis that isparallel with the first block surface, the plunger passage having aplunger passage first part that is shaped to receive the first plungerin a sliding relationship allowing the first plunger to slide axially inthe plunger passage axially along the plunger passage axis; a plungerpassage second part that is shaped to receive the second plunger in asliding relationship allowing the second plunger to slide axially in theplunger passage axially along the plunger passage axis; the base blockfurther including at least two stud passages extending into the baseblock from the first block surface along stud passage axes that aregenerally transverse to the plunger passage axis and radially spacedfrom the plunger passage axis; the at least two stud passages partiallyintersecting the plunger passage forming the first and second lockingregions between the plunger passage axis and the stud passage axes; thestud passages being shaped to receive associated hold down studsrespectively that each include an associated stud cam; the first andsecond plungers of the at least one plunger arrangement being axiallypositionable by the rotation of the plunger rod between an unlockedposition and a locked position along the plunger passage axis; when theplunger arrangement is in the unlocked position the first and secondplunger side locking cams are at least partially axially spaced alongthe plunger axis from the stud passages allowing the associated firstand second studs to enter the first and second locking regionsrespectively; rotation of the plunger rod moving the first and secondplungers of the plunger arrangement toward one another and toward thelocked position wherein the first and second plunger side locking camslockingly engage a respective associated stud cam.
 2. The mountingsystem according to claim 1, wherein the plunger passage first part isseparated from the plunger passage second part by a central rod openingportion shaped to receive the plunger rod and not the first and secondplungers.
 3. The mounting system according to claim 1, wherein theplunger passage first part includes a first passage flat and the firstplunger includes a first flat section to allow the first plunger toslide axially in the plunger passage axially along the plunger passageaxis and to prevent rotation of the first plunger about the plunger axisand wherein the plunger passage second part includes a second passageflat and the first plunger includes a first flat section to allow thesecond plunger to slide axially in the plunger passage axially along theplunger passage axis and to prevent rotation of the second plunger aboutthe plunger axis.
 4. The mounting system according to claim 1, whereinthe at least one plunger arrangement is configured to selectivelyaxially float relative to the base block along the plunger axis to allowthe first and second plungers to automatically align relative to theassociated studs when moving toward the locked position.
 5. The mountingsystem according to claim 4, further including at least one limit pinconfigured to selectively engage the plunger arrangement to produce thelimited axial float.
 6. The mounting system according to claim 1,wherein the plunger rod is configured to selectively axially floatrelative to the base block.
 7. The mounting system according to claim 1,wherein the at least two stud passages includes four stud passages andthe system further includes a third and a fourth locking region.
 8. Themounting system according to claim 7, wherein the axially floatableplunger arrangement is limited.
 9. The mounting system according toclaim 1, wherein the a plunger passage extends all the way through thebase block.
 10. The mounting system according to claim 1, wherein theplunger rod of the at least one plunger arrangement is at leastpartially axially floatable within the plunger passage along the plungeraxis to allow for equalized force being applied to the associated studsto balance stud hold down forces produced by the at least one plungerarrangement.
 11. The mounting system according to claim 1, wherein thethreaded rod portion is a first threaded rod portion, the plunger rodfurther including a second threaded rod portion, the first threaded rodportion having a clockwise thread and the second threaded rod portionhaving a counterclockwise thread; the first plunger rod opening incudesa clockwise opening thread shaped to threadingly engage the firstthreaded rod portion and the second plunger rod opening includes acounterclockwise opening thread shaped to threadingly engage the secondthreaded rod portion.
 12. The mounting system according to claim 11,wherein the first plunger pocket includes a first passage flat surfaceand the second plunger pocket includes a second passage flat surface,the first plunger includes a first plunger flat section and the secondplunger including a second flat section, the first passage flat surfacealigning with the first plunger flat section and allows axial movementalong the plunger axis while at least partially preventing rotation ofthe first plunger about the plunger axis within the first plungerpocket, the second passage flat surface aligning with the second plungerflat section and allows axial movement along the plunger axis while atleast partially preventing rotation of the second plunger about theplunger axis within the second plunger pocket.
 13. The mounting systemaccording to claim 12, wherein the plunger rod, the first plunger andthe second plunger are coaxial with the plunger axis.